CHAPTER IV
Influence of Constellations
The whole of Muhurtha or for that matter, the whole of Hindu astrology is based on the movements of planets in relation to the constellations. The wisdom of the ancient Indians in making predictive astrology, dependent upon the fixed zodiac, is being increasingly appreciated by students of the science. The question of zodiacal influences hinges on the fact whether the star-points or constellations with which the Sun comes into line from day-to-day derive their influences from that body or irrespective of the shifting position of the Sun, there is any special virtue attaching to these star-points. We have shown with incontrovertible evidence in several of our articles in THE ASTROLOGICAL MAGAZINE that the stars have a decided influence on all human affairs and we have several times disproved the absurd views displayed by the so-called scientists that because stars are removed millions and billions of miles away from us, there cannot be any connection between those gigantic masses and the living human beings. These electro-magnetic bodies are capable of discharging different kinds of energies manifesting themselves in different ways. When a constellation like Bharani (beta Arietis) is held to be constitutionally unfit for certain types of elections; it means that the vibrations emanating from it are destructive in character.
I do not propose to discuss here the astrological influences of the various constellations elaborately. I would give just the important ones, mainly based on BRIHAT SAMHITA and leave the reader to refer to more standard works on Muhurtha for further details.
The 28 constellations (including Abhijit which is generally ignored in everyday astrological consultations) are presided over by Aswini. Yama, Agni. Prajapati, the Moon, Rudra, Aditi, Jupiter, Serpent, Pitrus or manes, Bhaga, Aryaman, Savita, Swashta, Vayu.lndragni, Mitra, Indra, Niruti, Visvedewa, Brahman, Vishnu, Vasu, Varuna, Ajaikapat, Ahirbudhnya and Pushan respectively.
Rohini, Uttara, Uttarashadha and Uttarabhadra are supposed to be fixed constellations and they are favourable for coronations, laying the foundations of cities, sowing operations, planting trees and other permanent things.
Chitta, Anuradha, Mrigasira and Revati are soft constellations. They are good for wearing new apparel, learning dancing, music and fine arts, sexual union and performance of auspicious ceremonies.
Aswini, Pushya, Hasta and Abhijit are light constellations, and they can be selected for putting ornamentation, pleasures and sports, administering medicine, starting industries and undertaking travels.
Moola, Jyestha, Aridra and Aslesha are sharp in nature and they are favourable for incantations, invoking spirits, for imprisonment, murders, and separation of friends.
Saravana, Dhanishta, Satabhisha, Punarvasu and Swati are movable stars and they are auspicious fcr acquiring vehicles, for gardening and for going on procession.
Pubba, Poorvashadha and Poorvabhadra, Bharani and Makha are dreadful stars and they a re suitable for nefarious schemes, poisoning, deceit, imprisonment, setting fire and other evil deeds.
Krittika and Visakha are mixed constellations and during their influences, works of day-to-day importance can be undertaken.
Beginning from the third quarter of Dhanishta and ending with the last part of Revati, the time is held to be unsuitable for any kind of auspicious work. This period goes under the special name of Nakshatra Panchaka and when these stars are ruling, one should avoid journey towards the south, house repairing or renovation, collecting fuel and cattle fodder or acquiring cots and beds.
Of all the twenty-eight constellations, the pride of place appears to have been given to Pushya, the 8th star.
The constellation of Pushya is supposed to be the most favourable of all the 28 constellations. It is said to neutralise almost all doshas or flaws arising out of a number of adverse combinations. The Rishis go to the extent of saying that even if unfavourable combinations are present in the birth horoscope hampering ones success in life, and the ruling constellation and the position of the Moon are all adverse, Pushya has the power of neutralising these evil forces and asserting its benefic nature. In spite of all the benefic influences attributed to Pushya, it is held to be inauspicious for purposes of marriage. There may be an element of exaggeration In the assertion that Pushya is capable of modifying all the evil influences present in an election chart but there is no doubt whatsoever that it is a constellation par excellence that could be universally employed for all purposes, excepting of course marriage.
